Taylor Swift isn’t number one on the Billboard 200 for the first time in several months. Since early May, the singer had been in control of the U.S.’s most significant album chart. Although she had to contend with fierce competition from several celebrities, her winning streak was ultimately broken by one of the most successful rappers of all time.
Eminem takes the top spot
This week’s Billboard 200 lists Eminem’s latest album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), at number one. The hip-hop heavyweight prevents Swift from creating history as he begins his most recent assent to the top of the charts.
Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” presently holds the record for the second-most weeks at No. 1. She and Morgan Wallen are tied for the same achievement, as “One Thing at a Time” accomplished it before it fell off the charts.
Swift’s historic streak and records
In her fight against Whitney Houston, Swift emerged victorious after her twelfth week at No. 1—never falling from that rank. Houston managed to stay on top for 11 frames from its arrival until it ultimately lost control of the list back in the ’80s, so until “The Tortured Poets Department” spent its twelfth week at the top, the two women shared the title of having the longest-running leader on the Billboard 200 since their debut at No. 1.
“The Tortured Poets Department” would have created history once more if it had managed to stay on top of the Billboard 200 for a thirteenth week. Only one release, “Songs in the Key of Life” by Stevie Wonder, held onto its top spot on the chart after debuting at number one with a lucky 13.
The future of Swift’s album
Swift may make it back to the top, but she won’t beat Wonder’s record. All it will take for the title to return to No. 1 is a quiet period with few significant releases for “The Tortured Poets Department”, which is still doing incredibly well.
Though fresh releases from celebrities like Stray Kids and BTS vocalist Jimin are vying for the top debut, it doesn’t appear to impact the upcoming frame. Still, Swift’s most recent release shouldn’t be written off just yet.
Upon debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, “The Death of Slim Shady” shifts 281,000 equivalent copies. The majority of that amount comes from streaming units because, during the first tracking week, the full-length was made available, and the tracks on the project amassed an astounding 220 million plays on services like Spotify and Apple Music. Despite only being available for digital purchase, it also sold 114,000 copies.
In closing
While Swift’s album remains a strong contender for the top spot, the emergence of new releases from popular artists may keep her from reclaiming the throne immediately. Nevertheless, Swift’s influence and success on the charts continue to be noteworthy, marking another chapter in her illustrious career.
(Tashia Bernardus)